​Special Correspondent,
Dhaka: Murders have increased at an alarming rate across the country. A total of 2,076 murder incidents took place across the country in the last seven months (January to July) due to political feuds, land grabbing, control of extortion, personal conflicts, underworld supremacy struggles, and family-social disputes. As a result, deep concern has been newly created regarding the country's overall law and order situation.

​According to Police Headquarters data, 287 people were killed in January 2026, 250 in February, 317 in March, 288 in April, 310 in May, 326 in June, and 298 in July. In July alone, out of 298 murder incidents, 21 people died in mass beatings and 11 in political violence. Previously, in June and July 2025, the number of murder incidents was 344 and 362 respectively.

​According to analysts, the release of multiple top criminals on bail from jail after the July mass uprising of 2024 and the reactivation of many from abroad have contributed to the deterioration of the crime situation. Top criminals residing abroad are fighting with rival groups while trying to establish supremacy through loyalists in the country, causing underworld conflicts to take an overt form.

​Besides, political violence has also increased following political polarization at the beginning of the year. In the last seven months, 75 people have been killed across the country in political conflicts, a large portion of whom are opposition party and various political organization activists. Along with this, family feuds, illicit affairs, financial transactions, and the activities of juvenile gangs are also acting as major driving forces for murders.

​To control the situation, the Police Headquarters, under the directives of the Ministry of Home Affairs, has increased activities at the field level. According to police sources, although thana operations and patrol systems were somewhat disrupted after August 5, they have now been strengthened. The IGP held meetings with field-level officials and gave strict instructions to Range DIGs and District Superintendents of Police (SPs).

​However, the biggest challenge facing law enforcement agencies has turned out to be the recovery of missing weapons. A large portion of the weapons looted from various police stations and barracks during the July mass uprising—among which 1,311 weapons have not yet been recovered—is apprehended to be in the hands of criminals. As these SMGs, Chinese rifles, and pistols remain unrecovered, criminals are becoming more reckless.
​
Towhidul Haque, an associate professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research, University of Dhaka, and a criminologist, believes that a culture of impunity and prolonged judicial processes are the main reasons for the increase in crime. If there is laxity in the activities of law enforcement agencies, criminals take advantage of that. He urged bringing criminals under the law swiftly, regardless of their political or other identities, to ensure exemplary punishment.

​A.H.M. Shahadat Hossain, AIG (Media and Public Relations) of Police Headquarters, stated that immediate legal action is being taken against any attempts to take the law into one's own hands, and the police are carrying out all-out operations to suppress criminals.